Still no assurances on Whittington A&E

Over 300 people attended a packed meeting at Greig City Academy organised by Lynne Featherstone MP following last weekend's massive demonstration against threatened closures at Whittington Hospital.

Residents were joined by hospital staff and local politicians to question Richard Sumray, Chair of Haringey PCT, and Rachel Tyndall, Chief Executive of NHS Islington, about plans for the future of the hospital.

The meeting, chaired by Lib Dem council leader Robert Gorrie, grew heated on occasion as attendees grew frustrated with the officials' lack of answers regarding future services at the Whittington.

"We are going to go out and consult, and I am not going

to say - and no-one would say - what will happen as a consequence of

consultation," said Mr Sumray. "All of the comments will be taken into account but I can't tell you what the final decision will be now."

Ms Tyndall stressed the need for a "planned process" to deal with budget cuts over time, but added, “I don’t know what will happen because we haven’t yet made a decision about the Whittington Hospital.”

Residents at the meeting were angry at suggestions that ambulances may have to drive past the front door of the Whittington and continue to an alternative hospital instead, which would be the consequence of four of the scenarios proposed in the North Central London Strategy Plan.

There was also some debate at the meeting as to whether the "clinically led" decision-making process would really lead to better healthcare, and how longer trips to A&E might impact on mortality rates.

“Nobody I have spoken to either in this room or

out there, thinks these proposals are a good idea," said Lynne Featherstone, who led 5,000 protesters at last weekend's march.

Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, added: "I have raised the issue several times in parliament, and I will

continue to pressurize ministers and the House to understand that

health officials have no business making plans for reducing

expenditure, and absolutely no business taking away crucial local

services that are so obviously loved and valued by everybody."

The final decision will be made by a joint committee of the five local PCTs in Islington, Camden, Haringey, Enfield and Barnet. The criteria for local consultation have not yet been decided.

The next campaign meeting will take place on Monday 22 March at 7pm at the Whittington Community Centre, Yerbury Road, N19. For more information, contact defendwhittington@googlemail.com.